Tubac Overnight Itinerary
Any day trip to Tubac can be turned into a vacation by staying overnight for one or more nights! Several unique accommodations await you in and around the Village.
The Tubac Inn, in the heart of The Village of Tubac, is a boutique inn. The southwest décor of the rooms paired with the desert cactus and trees growing along the wash fronting the long wooden porch connecting the rooms, makes your stay an authentic Tubac experience.
Located south of Tubac in Tumacacori, Rancho Santa Cruz was once a dude ranch and visitors looking to experience “old west” hospitality and accommodations will find it here.
Is a hidden gem what you are searching for? The Tubac Secret Garden Inn’s beautiful property offers cozy rooms for rest and renewal, and an excellent environment for weddings, corporate events, reunions and more! Enclosed for privacy and security, this magical scene is the best spot in town. Enjoy their intimate garden in Tubac’s Historic Old Town.
Further south, Casa Paloma Bed and Breakfast is housed in a 1920s ranch style building and provides many areas to relax, unwind, and do some bird watching in its lush surroundings.
Just north of Tubac, the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa is set on 500 acres of what was the historic Otero Ranch. Lush green lawns, old growth cottonwood trees and colorful gardens grow among its 98 luxurious suites and guest rooms, which are clustered throughout the property. The resort also includes a spa and two restaurants on site, as well as 27 holes of golf.
Second Day Activities
Hard core shoppers will return to the eclectic and colorful shops and art galleries in The Village of Tubac for a second day of shopping. However, if you’re ready to do something different, try some of the activities below. For more details and other options, see our attractions and activities page.
Hiking/Birdwatching:
A section of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail lies along the Santa Cruz River between Tubac and Tumacacori. The trail commemorates the route followed by Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza who led a group of soldiers and settlers from Tubac to the Pacific coast in 1775 where they founded an outpost that later became San Francisco. The 4-mile trail between the Village of Tubac and Tumacacori National Historical Park runs through a rare and vibrant desert riparian region, crossing the Santa Cruz River in a few spots.
Madera Canyon is a 45-minute drive northeast of Tubac, and the drive is worth it. Hiking trails are available for every experience level, from the challenging 12.2-mile hike to Mount Wrightson, to the 1.8-mile Nature Trail. Hikers will enjoy the high desert flora and fauna of Southern Arizona. Madera Canyon is also one of the most popular places in the area to bird watch. Picnic areas are available for visitors who pack a lunch.
Golfing:
Tubac Golf Resort and Spa offers 27 holes of golf. The golf course was featured in the 1996 movie Tin Cup starring Kevin Costner, and today’s golfers will enjoy its lush greens, beautiful mountain views, and its herd of cattle, harkening back to the days when the area was the historic Otero Ranch.
Stargazing:
Our crystal-clear night skies draw astronomers from all over the world to the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory. The observatory is located approximately 30 minutes northeast of Tubac, offering tours to the public during the day as well as popular evening programs. The Visitor Center is located in Amado, just north of Tubac, and it features displays and exhibits on astronomy and astrophysics, natural science, and cultural history. Visitors to the observatory must be registered for a tour and take a shuttle bus from the Visitor Center.
Thank you for spending your vacation in Tubac! We hope to see you soon for another stay. Several exciting events occur in our Village throughout the year. Get more information at our Festivals page and start planning your return visit to attend a festival or experience something in the suggested itineraries above that you weren’t able to do on this trip!
